Tips for Visiting ArtPrize in Grand Rapids: It’s time to start planning!

by Kirsetin Morello on June 27, 2013

Maybe you read about ArtPrize in Time Magazine, which named ArtPrize as one of five festive events not to miss in 2013. Or perhaps you have friends or relatives who’ve raved about their experience viewing the art competition, which takes place throughout the city – from museums and hotels to sidewalks and, even—try to imagine this—in the river!

Perhaps you just want the chance to vote on the art you like best, and help decide which artist will take home the $200,000 grand prize.

2012 ArtPrize Grand Prize winner, “Elephants” by Adonna Khare

Whatever the reason, if you’re ready for your own inaugural visit to ArtPrize, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your trip. ArtPrize 2013 runs from September 18 – October 6 with prizes awarded on October 4. To get the most from your trip, start here:

1. Think Sleep. No, it’s not too early—now is a great time to book your hotel, because you’ll have more of a choice in where you stay. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that hotels will fill up. You’ll still be able to find a room, but it might not be in the particular area, or have the amenities, you’re hoping for.

Things to consider:

Do you prefer to be in the busy hub of things downtown? Would you like to be close to lots of exhibits and great local restaurants?

Note: These hotels offer easy access to the highway, but 28th Street is currently under construction, which can make it more difficult depending on the time of day. Be sure to check back in the August—our post will include an update on the state of the 28th Street construction. If it’s causing lots of traffic by the on -ramp, we’ll share a better route to get downtown.

The Experience Grand Rapids homepage is a great resource. You can search for hotel rooms, flights, and transportation quickly and easily using our Book Your Stay widget (on the left-hand side).

2. Consider Timing. If you’re coming to Grand Rapids, do you want to take an extra day or two to visit the lakeshore? If so, plan to spend as much time as you can visiting ArtPrize, then tack on a couple of days to relax in a lakeshore town: Grand Haven, Saugatuck, Pentwater, and Ludington are all great options. Go ahead and book your room for the lakeshore now, too.

3. Celebrate Nature. Consider joining your joining local arboretum or horticulture garden. You can enjoy getting back to nature this summer and may be able to score a discount at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids—a 2013 ArtPrize venue. Many arboretums have reciprocal privileges, and, after you view the art at Meijer Gardens (you don’t have to pay admission to see the ArtPrize exhibits), you can take a short break and enjoy the rest of the gardens. (If you have young kids, the Children’s Garden is a don’t miss.)

4. Prep the kids. Or your spouse. Or yourself! For anyone who hasn’t been to ArtPrize, the concept is a bit radical. You can see the 2013 ArtPrize entries online, but you might want to wait and feel the impact when you see them in person. Either way, spend a little time reading and talking about how ArtPrize works. Keep in mind, too, that some entries are more appropriate for kids than others. Last year, GRKids provided a great guide for parents – keep your eye out for a new version this year.

5. Map It. You may want to take a peek at last year’s venue map, so you have a general idea of how far and wide you’ll find art, particularly if you’re bringing kids. When ArtPrize draws closer, we’ll post some tips from locals about how to narrow and navigate the many venues.

6. Get Legit . One of the best things about ArtPrize is that YOU are one of the judges. But in order to vote, you need a driver’s license, state ID or passport. Make sure yours is up-to-date now so you can be a part of what happens in September!

Click here for the second post in our “Get Ready for ArtPrize” series.

Click here for the third, and final, post in our “Get Ready for ArtPrize” series.

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It’s surprising you aren’t more popular since you definitely have the gift.